Drivers turn to Mike Henry to lobby against Coaster bus ban

Transport operators want former transport minister Mike Henry to help in their efforts to reverse the impending coaster bus ban on major routes in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR).

This is the latest move from the operators who strongly oppose the Coaster ban.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company says the ban will come into effect on April 1.

On Monday, the head of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators, Louis Barton, said the association has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and the transport minister Dr Omar Davies.

Speaking on Independent Talk on Power 106FM this morning, Barton said discussions are ongoing with Henry.

Head of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators, Louis Barton

The JUTC managing director, Colin Campbell, says the new coaster bus policy will be implemented as the company now has sufficient buses to fully serve those routes served by the Coaster buses.

However, members of the transport sector say the policy is unfair and unjust and will result in severe economic hardship.

Barton says 43 operators have received letters telling them that their licenses will not be renewed to operate on the major routes.

Meanwhile, the JUTC says spaces will be created for more than 400 smaller buses to operate on less profitable routes.